Appendix I: Brief Mentions

We had far more good stuff than we could print. Most of the
following consist only partly of dance music or have a more limited
or specialized appeal, or were not included because we had
too-incomplete information about them. The material on these has
been highly condensed.

Ancient Airs and Dances

O'Dette, Paul
(with Rogers Covey-Crump, Tenor) (Hyperion CDA66228)

LH: These are the original lute
songs and dances used by Respighi in his orchestral "Suites
of Ancient Airs and Dances.” Paul O'Dette is, of course, a
wonderful lutenist and, even if you can't dance to some of these,
it's wonderful listening. Lovely version of Caroso's "Laura
Soave.”

Includes
Sellinger's Round , Nonesuch, Cuckolds All Awry, and others, and
amusing readings.

AH: Cuckolds does not have the right
number of repeats for dancing.

Dance of the Ages

Ensemble Eduard
Melkus - Ulsamer Collegium. Archiv 439 964 2. The recordings
were done in the early 70s. [Paraphrasing VS: It is a 4-CD set.
The first two CDs are out of period; the third includes Baroque
dances we use, though the music is not particularly danceable.
CD4 includes Lamento di Tristano, a Trotto, 2 Istampita and
Saltarello La Regina, 3 basse danze and an alta danza...general
dance stuff from 1500s (no balli!), and an Early Baroque section:
Schiarazula and a bit more from Mainerio, Barriera and Celeste
Giglio from Caroso (I don't do either dance, but my guess is both
are too slow), and ending with 5 pieces by Caroubel.]

VS: The collection is somewhat of a
disappointment, if you're hoping for 4 CDs worth of music. It has
bits and pieces, but no Arbeau, no early Balli, no Playford I, and
2 questionable late Balli. I got it for $20, and like Waltzs, but
I expect most people wouldn't find it useful. I also get the
strong impression that it is Dance Music for Listening, not for
Dancing, and that the musicians weren't working with dancers or
reconstructors. This CD= A:*** U:**

LH: The music is absolutely
wonderful but we don't do many of these dances in Caid -- really
fine instrumentation and vocals (on some of the selections).

Eloge du vin et de la vigne

La Maurache.
Arion CD: ARN 68248 [AD]: Mostly songs, but includes la Gelosia,
Amoroso, a tourdion, three basse dances (one of which has vocal as
well as instrumental accompaniment), a bransle simple (similar
accompaniment), and an emminantly danceable and listenable version
of Arbeau's courante.

VS: I don't know about the Gelosia
and Amoroso ... it's part of a suite, apparently, with
Gelosia/Amoroso/Saltarello/Anello, all played in under 3 minutes
... I doubt it's too usable.

LH: Some vocal music interspersed
with the dance music with the same fine instrumentation work you
find with the other English early music groups that seem to
specialize in the “street” type of music rather than formal,
court music.

LH: The focus on this recording is
on music that would be used in theatre pieces so it is a mix of
song and dance. The group is headed up by premiere lutenists Lyle
Nordstrom and Paul O’Dette (and the other musicians are of equal
quality) so you know it’s going to be great listening! Lively
versions of “Stingo” and “Grimstock.”

DE: A few useable Praetorius tunes,
but not as good as the IMP collection.

Praetorius' Terpsichore

Arabesque CD
Z6531

LH: Again, this is for dances "en
suite" and we don't do many of these particular court dances
in Caid (although I wish we would). This is absolutely wonderful
just for listening and many who have been to the RenFaire will
recognize some of these.

A Reasonable Facsimile

Anne and Rob
Burns. Second from the Bottom Records CD: SBR001/2

LH: For those of you who are saying,
the names sound familiar, this couple put out a couple of
cassettes entitled About as Close as You Can Get and The Merry
Pranks of Robin Goodfellow which featured “street performances”
such as you might hear at the Renaissance Faire. This CD includes
both of those earlier cassettes. These are multi-talented
musicians and singers who each seem to play about a hundred
instruments. Some of the selections seem to be the right length
for dancing and the tempos for the most part seem to echo those at
RenFaire. Altogether good fun (great for getting into the right
mindset on the way to an SCA event or RenFaire).

LH: A brand new recording (Spring
1996) with mostly dance tunes -- some of the tempos may not be
what you’re used to but don’t be afraid to experiment: add a
little courtly grace to a country dance and you get a whole new
feel!

Watkins Ale: Music of the English
Renaissance

The Baltimore
Consort. Dorian CD: DOR-90142).

LH: This is not strictly a dance
record but it's got some great stuff nonetheless and they’re a
great group. Rousing version of "The Buffens" to start
you off and the following track, "Nutmigs and Ginger"
really calls out for dancing.